To be honest I would have kept my job and did a bit more research before jumping off the deep end. The positive side to your decision is that now you are putting yourself in a position where you must succeed and failure is not an option, and I think that is great.
My thoughts aside, I think members of BP could answer your question better if you tell them your goals as an investor as well as your strategy.
I'm no expert but from what I've read you could find motivated sellers by marketing to them via personal letters, bandit signs, or billboards that state you buy houses (as well as a variety of other methods). You could visit your local real estate investment club and network with like minded people as well as let your friends and family know your business goals.
I hope I was able to help answer your question if a little bit! Good luck by the way :).
